Braintree's Russell commits to UPenn

Braintree High point guard Ashley Russell, who led the Wamps to a state championship as a junior this winter, will continue her basketball career at the University of Pennsylvania.

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By Bob WhitneyWicked Local Braintree

Wicked Local

By Bob WhitneyWicked Local Braintree

Posted Jun. 23, 2014 at 8:00 PM
Updated Jun 23, 2014 at 8:04 PM

By Bob WhitneyWicked Local Braintree

Posted Jun. 23, 2014 at 8:00 PM
Updated Jun 23, 2014 at 8:04 PM

» Social News

BRAINTREE – The pressure and anxiety of the college recruiting process is officially over for Braintree High School’s star basketball point guard Ashley Russell.

Russell, a 5-10 rising senior, announced on her Twitter account over the weekend that she has committed to the University of Pennsylvania.

The Quakers are a program on the rise, having won the 2013-14 Ivy League title under coach Mike McLaughlin.

“It was a very difficult decision to make,” noted Russell, who was named the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year while leading Braintree to the Division 1 state championship this winter.

“It came down to Penn and Bentley. Both schools had much to offer, but I felt I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity for an Ivy League education, along with an outstanding basketball program.”

Russell averaged 14 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and three steals per game this season for Braintree (24-1). She had 17 points and 15 rebounds in the Div. 1 state final victory over Westford Academy and scored 25 points against Newton North in the Div. 1 South Sectional title game.

Wamp head coach Kristen McDonnell said she was thrilled with Russell’s final decision.

“All of us who are a part of Wamp basketball – coaches, teammates, supporters – are so happy for Ashley,” McDonnell said. “She continues to be an outstanding representative of our team, and we know that the Penn Quaker staff and players will share our sentiment.”

McDonnell noted Russell’s thorough approach to the recruiting.

“Ashley had a very mature approach to the recruiting process, understanding that finding the right fit was so important and that fit had academics as the top priority.”

Russell, who also plays volleyball and lacrosse for Braintree, said she is relieved that her college decision is over so she can concentrate on her summer AAU schedule with the Bay State Magic.

With Russell manning the point again, the Wamps figure to be preseason favorites to win another state championship in 2014-15. Braintree also returns three other starters, all over 6 foot – rising seniors Molly Reagan, who averaged 11.5 points and 8 rebounds per game last season, and Bridget Herlihy (12.0/9.0), as well as rising junior Brianna Herlihy (10.0/11.0).